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Module 3 Edmonton - Child Development

In 2015, Childrens Services (CS), with assistance from Blue Quills First Nations College, developed the initial Foundations of Caregiver Supports (FCS) with the vision that the infants, children and youth in Alberta are nurtured by empathetic, responsive caregivers who recognize and support their unique strengths and developmental needs. From this framework, CS, ALIGN, AFKA and DFNAs collaboratively developed and piloted five training modules for caregivers on: child development, the impact of trauma, understanding loss and grief, and colonization and healing. This training is designed to shift thinking from what is wrong with this child to a more informed what has happened to this child? and further to, how can I improve the developmental trajectory of this child?

All Child Intervention and DFNA staff (including non-delegated and support staff), front-line workers, and all Foster parents will be required to take the training to achieve consistent, trauma-informed support for children and families across the province, at all levels. These training modules will be part of the Core Caregiver Training series for new caregivers and extra sessions will be held in the next 18 months to ensure existing caregivers also receive the training. These courses can be applied towards required supplemental training for families to maintain their licensing or support skill fees.

Kinship families and families working towards legal permanency (adoption or private guardianship) will be strongly encouraged to take the courses as well, though cannot be mandated to do so. Collectively, all of the partnering agencies and organizations are expected to make these sessions available, and encourage all staff and caregivers to attend all five sessions, as they will enhance any participants ability to effectively engage with children and provide them better support.